Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Atoms, nuclei and radiation

Atoms, nuclei and radiation — practice question

A sample of a radioactive isotope gives out a beam of $\beta^{-}$ radiation.
(a)[1]

State the change, if any, in the number of neutrons in the nucleus of the sample when a $\beta^{-}$ particle is emitted.

(b)[3]

The number of $\beta^{-}$ particles passing a fixed point in the beam during $2.0$ minutes is $9.8 \times 10^{10}$. Calculate the current, in $\text{pA}$, produced by the beam of $\beta^{-}$ particles.

(c)[2]

Suggest why the $\beta^{-}$ particles are emitted with a range of kinetic energies.

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